Freeport resident indicted on charges of cocaine trafficking

Elson Forestier, a 34-year-old Freeport resident, was arraigned today on multiple felony charges related to operating as a major drug trafficker. The indictment comes after a thorough search warrant executed in May 2023 revealed a significant quantity of cocaine, allegedly hidden within toy packaging and boxes wrapped in birthday paper, at Forestier's residence.

“More than $180,000 worth of cocaine was found during a search of this defendant’s home in Freeport, where it was allegedly contained in the empty packaging of children’s construction block sets and boxes wrapped-up to look like birthday presents,” DA Donnelly said. “Even though the drugs were shrink-wrapped inside the boxes to conceal them from detection, Nassau County Police Department K9 ‘Chief’ was able to sniff out the illicit substance. I thank our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, and NCPD for their crucial investigative efforts that led to today’s indictment.”

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly made the announcement, stating that the search warrant conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, and the Nassau County Police Department's K9 Unit led to the discovery of approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine and over $12,000 in cash.

Forestier was charged with Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree.

“U.S. Postal Inspectors work diligently to identify and deter Drug Trafficking Organizations who prey upon the vulnerable, while destroying the lives and fabric of many neighborhoods,” New York Division Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said. “Postal Inspectors will always remain vigilant in locating and bringing drug traffickers to justice, safeguarding the American public and the U.S. Mail. I would like to thank the New York State Troopers, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Postal Inspectors for their collaborative dedication on this case.”

During his arraignment before Judge Terence Murphy, Forestier pleaded not guilty. The court set his bail at $1 million in cash, $5 million bond, and $10 million partially secured bond. Forestier is scheduled to appear in court again on August 23, 2023. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison.

“Today’s arraignment of defendant Elson Forestier is a prime example of numerous law enforcement agencies working in conjunction to bring this case to justice,” said Nassau County Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder. “This defendant showed no regard for the safety of our communities as he dealt large amounts of cocaine in various Nassau County locations.  I would like to congratulate all of the investigators and their agencies for their dedication and diligence on this case.”

According to District Attorney Donnelly, the investigation leading to Forestier's arrest was the result of a long-term probe that prompted the execution of the search warrant on May 15, 2023. The search of Forestier's residence at 371 Miller Avenue in Freeport yielded approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine and over $12,000 in U.S. currency. Law enforcement officials discovered around two kilograms of cocaine cleverly concealed within toy packaging wrapped in birthday paper in an alleged attempt to avoid detection. An additional half kilogram was found in Forestier's bedroom closet.

“The trafficking of cocaine poses a significant threat to public health and safety on Long Island. This threat is enhanced when, as alleged in this case, the contraband is concealed within children’s toys wrapped as birthday presents,” Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said. “This investigation highlights the importance of strong collaboration between local, state, and federal partners to dismantle these types of criminal enterprises and keep our communities free of dangerous narcotics.”

The prosecution alleges that Forestier had been receiving cocaine shipments, in quantities of kilograms, directly from Puerto Rico to his Freeport residence for more than a year. The estimated street value of the seized cocaine from the search warrant surpassed $180,000.

Forestier was apprehended by the New York State Police in Freeport on May 15, 2023. The investigation remains ongoing, with the Nassau County District Attorney's Office expressing gratitude to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, and the Nassau County Police Department for their invaluable assistance and collaboration.

“This arrest is the result of hard work and determination by our law enforcement partners,” State Police Troop L Commander, Major Stephen J. Udice said. “Every day we see the impact these dangerous drugs have on families, neighborhoods, and communities. We pledge to continue to work tirelessly, to make sure individuals who are at the root of this illegal activity are held accountable and to keep these dangerous narcotics off the streets across Long Island.”

The case is being handled by Chief Lee Genser of the Narcotics, Firearms & Gangs Bureau's Firearms Suppression & Intelligence Unit. Forestier is represented by Steve Gaitman, Esq.

It is important to note that the charges against Forestier are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.